DMV in Cranston extends hours for last-minute CDL self-certification

The R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles will offer extended hours during January to accommodate an anticipated influx of commercial drivers required to complete a self-certification before Jan. 31, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee announced Tuesday.

CRANSTON – The R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles will offer extended hours during January to accommodate an anticipated influx of commercial drivers required to complete a self-certification before Jan. 31, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee announced Tuesday.

The DMV’s Cranston location will remain open on Thursdays until 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, to service commercial drivers who may be on the road or out of state during the DMV’s regular business hours, Chafee said.

Cranston is the only DMV location offering extended hours for this purpose, and only commercial driver’s license self-certification transactions will be processed during these hours. The certification, federally mandated in 2012, requires all CDL holders to self-certify the type of commerce in which they operate and submit that information to the DMV as part of their driving record.

Commercial drivers who certify that they are non-excepted must present a valid medical card at the time of self-certification. Examples of excepted drivers include federal, state or local government employees, and fire or rescue vehicle drivers during emergencies. A complete list of all excepted categories can be found through the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

About one-third of all active commercial drivers in Rhode Island have yet to complete the self-certification and medical certification requirements, according to Chafee’s office. Commercial drivers who fail to self-certify before the Jan. 31 deadline will be downgraded to a regular operator license.

“It is very important for companies and drivers to take all necessary measures to file the proper paperwork as soon as possible,” said DMV Administrator Anthony Silva. “The DMV is anticipating a last-minute rush, and we will be prepared to accommodate everyone as needed. The DMV wants to provide every opportunity to commercial drivers to meet this federal requirement.”

For more information about CDL self-certification and extended hours, visit www.dmv.ri.gov.

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